BHOPAL, India, 14 October 2010 - About 10, 000 enthusiastic school children gathered at the Lal Parade Grounds here on Thursday morning to soap-up and celebrate Global Handwashing Day.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan and School Education Minister of Madhya Pradesh Archana Chitnis addressed the gathering, enlightening young students on how hand washing with soap reduces the incidence of diseases and ensures a healthier life. Thursday’s campaign was organized and supported by UNICEF in association with volunteers from Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Service Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan.